Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started is simple. Just give us a call on 0121 630 6920 or fill in our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch. We'll have a friendly, no-obligation chat to understand your needs, then arrange a free home visit to put together a personalised care plan.

In many cases we can begin providing care within a matter of days of your initial enquiry. We understand that care needs can arise quickly for example following a hospital discharge and we do our very best to respond as fast as possible. Call us and we'll discuss what's achievable for your particular situation.

Absolutely and we encourage it. We believe that the relationship between a client and their carer is built on trust, and that starts before care begins. Wherever possible we will introduce your carer to you ahead of their first visit so you feel comfortable and confident from day one.

Our care plans are fully flexible and reviewed regularly to make sure they still meet your needs. If your situation changes whether you need more support, fewer visits, or a different type of care we'll work with you and your family to adjust the plan accordingly. You're always in control.

A care needs assessment is a conversation usually carried out in your home where we get to know you, your daily routine, your preferences and the support you need. It's relaxed and informal, and it helps us put together a care plan that's truly personalised to you. There's no charge for this assessment and no obligation to proceed.

We always aim to provide continuity of care, as we know how important it is to feel comfortable with the person coming into your home. We will do our best to assign you a consistent carer and a small, familiar team. In cases where your main carer is unavailable, we will always introduce any substitute carer in advance where possible.

Your care will never be disrupted. We have a team of trained carers available to cover any absences, and we will always notify you in advance so you know who to expect. We plan for these situations carefully so that your routine continues without interruption.

Live-in care is when a fully trained carer moves into your home to provide round-the-clock support. It's an ideal alternative to a care home for people who need a higher level of care but wish to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own surroundings. You keep your independence, your routine and your home with the reassurance of having someone there whenever you need them.

Personal care covers physical support such as washing, dressing, grooming, continence care and help getting in and out of bed. Companionship care focuses more on social and emotional wellbeing conversation, outings, hobbies, and simply having someone kind and attentive to spend time with. Many of our clients benefit from a combination of both.

Yes. Our carers receive specialist dementia care training so they can provide support that's sensitive, patient and effective. Staying at home in familiar surroundings can make a real positive difference to someone living with dementia, and we work closely with families to make sure care feels consistent and reassuring. We are experienced in supporting people at all stages of dementia.

Yes. Our carers can assist with medication reminders, prompting and administration as part of your care plan. All medication support is handled in line with safe medication management guidelines, and our carers are trained to handle this task carefully and responsibly. Your health and safety is always our priority.

Absolutely. Returning home after a hospital stay can be daunting, and having support in place makes a huge difference to recovery. We can arrange care at short notice to ensure you or your loved one comes home safely and has the right help in place from day one. We can even carry out a pre-discharge assessment to make sure everything is ready.

Yes. Respite care is a short-term care arrangement designed to give family carers a well-deserved break. Whether you need cover for a holiday, a few days off, or simply some regular time to rest and recharge, we can step in and provide the same high standard of care your loved one is used to. Caring for a carer is just as important to us.

Yes staying connected to your community matters enormously for wellbeing. Our carers can accompany you to appointments, social events, shopping trips, places of worship or simply a walk in the park. Maintaining independence and an active social life is something we actively encourage and support.

Yes. We support people with a wide range of needs including physical disabilities, learning difficulties and long-term health conditions. Every care plan we create is tailored to the individual we take time to understand your specific needs, preferences and goals so that our support genuinely enhances your daily life.

The cost of home care depends on the level and frequency of support you need. We offer transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees. The best way to get an accurate idea of cost is to speak with our team call us on 0121 630 6920 and we'll talk you through your options with no obligation.

In some cases, yes. If you believe you may be entitled to council-funded care, you can request a care needs assessment from your local authority in Birmingham this is Birmingham City Council. They will assess your needs and, if eligible, carry out a financial assessment to determine how much support you may receive. We can advise you on this process.

A financial assessment is carried out by the local authority to determine how much, if anything, you will need to contribute towards the cost of your care. It takes into account your income, savings and assets but not the value of your home if you are receiving care there. Based on this, the council will decide how much funding they can provide.

For many people, home care is significantly more cost-effective than residential care especially when you only pay for the hours of support you actually need. Beyond the financial comparison, most people strongly prefer to remain in their own home, and the wellbeing benefits of staying in familiar surroundings are well documented. It's worth exploring both options carefully.

There are several potential sources of funding beyond private pay, including local authority funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare (for those with complex medical needs), Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Veterans' funding. We can help point you in the right direction please call us and we'll be happy to talk through what may be available to you.

Yes one of the things that sets HC Group apart is our multilingual team. Our carers speak a range of languages including Urdu, Punjabi and more, reflecting the diverse communities we serve across the West Midlands. If language is important to you or your loved one, please let us know and we will do our best to match you with a carer who communicates in your preferred language.

Yes. We provide care seven days a week, including weekends. Care needs don't stop at the weekend and neither do we. Our office is open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm and Saturday 9am–2pm, and we have an out-of-hours contact line for existing clients with urgent needs.

For clients who need round-the-clock support, we offer live-in care which provides 24-hour presence in the home. Our office operates during business hours, and existing clients have access to an out-of-hours line for urgent matters. We want you to always feel supported, whatever time of day.

We take all feedback seriously and want to make sure any concerns are resolved quickly and fairly. If you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, please contact us directly by calling 0121 630 6920 or emailing info@hcgroupuk.co.uk. We have a formal complaints procedure in place and will always respond promptly and transparently.

Dignity and respect are at the heart of everything we do. Our carers are trained to always knock before entering a room, to offer choice in how personal care is carried out, and to treat every client as an individual with their own preferences and boundaries. All personal information is handled in strict confidence in line with GDPR and data protection law.

Absolutely and we encourage it where the client is happy for this. Family members often play a vital role in helping us understand a person's preferences, history and routines. We welcome their involvement in care planning, reviews and day-to-day communication, and we keep families informed so they always feel reassured about their loved one's wellbeing.